What's happened
Severe drought across East Africa, especially in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Sudan, has led to critical water shortages, livestock losses, and food insecurity. Governments and aid agencies are calling for urgent international support to prevent humanitarian catastrophe, with recent efforts showing some progress in Sudan but worsening conditions elsewhere.
What's behind the headline?
The drought crisis in East Africa underscores the region's vulnerability to climate change, which has become a structural driver of food and water insecurity. Despite Ethiopia's proactive climate initiatives, such as planting over 48 billion trees and hosting the 2027 UN Climate Conference, the region remains disproportionately affected due to factors beyond its control. The recent increase in aid in Sudan shows that targeted assistance can improve conditions temporarily, but ongoing drought and conflict in Somalia and Ethiopia threaten to escalate into full-scale humanitarian emergencies. The situation highlights the urgent need for sustained international support and climate resilience strategies. Without significant intervention, the risk of famine and mass displacement will likely increase, further destabilizing the region and impacting global food security.
What the papers say
All Africa reports on the worsening drought and humanitarian needs, highlighting the Somali Disaster Management Agency's warnings and recent aid efforts. The Independent emphasizes the global context, noting that climate change is a key driver of the crisis, with Ethiopia's climate initiatives demonstrating regional leadership. Both sources agree that urgent, sustained action is critical, but differ in focus: one on immediate aid, the other on long-term climate strategies.
How we got here
East Africa has experienced recurrent droughts driven by climate change, with the Horn of Africa particularly vulnerable due to prolonged failed rains, conflict, and economic instability. These factors have led to widespread displacement, livestock depletion, and food shortages, with international agencies warning of a potential humanitarian crisis if aid is not sustained.
Go deeper
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The World Food Programme is the food-assistance branch of the United Nations and the world's largest humanitarian organization addressing hunger and promoting food security.
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Sudan, officially the Republic of the Sudan, is a country in North-East Africa. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, Libya to the northwest, Chad to the west, the Central African Republic to the southwest, South Sudan to the south, Ethiopia to the southe